by David Sutton
Sports Writer
Coming off its best season in history (10-6-1, 9-3), the women’s soccer at the University of La Verne kicked its season off on the right foot last weekend in San Antonio, Texas, and currently holds a 2-1 record.
The women played in Trinity College’s annual soccer tournament and advanced to the championship game against host Trinity College. Sophomore midfielder Amber Hall scored the Leos’ lone goal in the 3-1 loss with Angel Mejico providing the assist.
“Playing Trinity close made the team feel good,” said Head Coach Wendy Zwissler.
The team defeated Washington University of St. Louis, Mo., 3-2, and Southwestern Texas, 3-1. In the victory over Washington, Ana Delgado scored one goal and Jacqui Zwissler scored two goals and had one assist.
Against Southwestern Alicia Raygozo scored two goals with Jenny Zwissler adding one. Jacqui Zwissler had two assist. In the tournament goalie Kim Marshel had 13 saves and Tiffany Hall had two.
Finishing second in the tournament was quite an accomplishment for the team. La Verne had only four days to prepare its first contest. Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) rules do not allow teams to begin practice before the week prior to the start of school and matches cannot be played before Sept. 1.
Coach Zwissler believes that a self-motivated off-season workout during the summer helped to prepare the team to compete in the tournament.
“The upper classmen did a great job of getting the team together,” said Zwissler.
This year’s team is expected to compete for the SCIAC title. Last year’s third place finish still looms over the team, despite historic victories over Pomona-Pitzer and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.
Zwissler feels that the team’s large number of returners will help to carry the team. “We are a little older and we have more experience,” she said.
ULV has 11 returners in Kari Trotter, Hall, Jamie Hesler, Delgado, Tiffany Robles, Lisa Thomas, Jennifer and Jacqui Zwissler, Wendy Rockenbaugh, Wendy Dawson and Tori Bare. Stephani Hannon returns after taking two years off.
Newcomers to the program include freshmen Marshel, Veronica Ramirez, Alicia Raygozo, Makenzie DiPietro and Mejico. Transfers include Amy Fisher and Xochi Martinez.
The Leos are currently on a Northern California road trip. They play Dominican College of San Rafael as well as UC Santa Cruz. Their first home game is Monday against Biola at 7 p.m.
